July 30, 2024

Philippines develops corn-soybean cropping system to boost farm yields

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture Research Division in the Caraga region (DA-13) is working on a new cropping system to supplement soil nutrients and increase farm production, Philippine News Agency reported.

In a statement, DA-13 announced that the Corn-Corn-Soybean Cropping System is seen as a promising technique to help the region's corn farmers improve their yields and income.

The 15-month study began on a five-hectare soybean area in Barangay Azpetia, Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur province. The Bureau of Agricultural Research funds the study, which aims to enhance the productivity and income of corn farmers through a combined cropping of corn and soybeans.

The study aims to verify whether the cropping system can enhance soil nutrients, specifically nitrogen, through soybeans, and increase farmers' output.

DA-13 agriculturist Richard Tabudlong explained that the planting method under the cropping system involves two cycles of corn followed by soybeans.

The Caraga region currently has 27,744 hectares of farmland dedicated to corn production, according to DA-13.

-      Philippine News Agency